The King of Staten Island (2020)

Directed by: Judd Apatow | 137 minutes | comedy, drama | Actors: Pete Davidson, Bel Powley, Ricky Velez, Lou Wilson, Moises Arias, Carly Aquilino, Marisa Tomei, Maude Apatow, Robert Vidal III, Angus Costello, Pauline Chalamet, Lynne Koplitz, Joseph Paul Kennedy

Writer and director Judd Apatow, the man behind films like ‘The 40 Year Old Virgin’ (2005) and ‘Knocked Up’ (2007), is best known for his comedies about idlers and outcasts. His films are often populated by characters who refuse to grow up and remain in the role of children. At some point a problem arises for these characters, which does not fit with their current existence. A conflict is born. Many filmmakers would go on to take a dramatic angle with their film, but Apatow often lingers on sex jokes and a plethora of pop culture references. It should never really touch you as a viewer of him. With the Adam Sandler film ‘Funny People’ (2009), Apatow showed that he certainly had more to offer, but since this project was not nearly as profitable as his other films, it was soon over for him. exploring the diversity in the film landscape.

But now, despite not getting rid of some of his usual stumbling blocks, Apatow has made another attempt at serious film with ‘The King of Staten Island’. The result is a pleasant surprise. Yes, there are still lame jokes and uninspired references, but Apatow has given his new film something else: a heart. Lead actor Pete Davidson, known from Saturday Night Live, collaborated on the script, which is based on experiences from his own life. The film, in which Davidson plays the character of Scott Carlin, is a tribute to his late father. His father was killed during a rescue mission after the attacks of September 11, 2001, where he came to the rescue as a firefighter. This tragedy left great marks on the then still young Pete, which is very tangible in this film.

‘The King of Staten Island’ is a representation of what Pete’s life might have been like if he had never found his love of comedy. Scott Carlin is someone who never got over the loss of his father. He did not finish high school and is now well into his twenties. Scott still lives at home with his mother and spends all his time watching cartoons and smoking weed with his friends. When his mother (Marisa Tomei) starts dating Ray (Bill Burr), who also happens to be a firefighter, Scott doesn’t like it. He soon begins to “throw a spanner in the works”, which leads to a lot of comic, but also dramatic moments.

The greatest added value of ‘The King of Staten Island’ is the role of Davidson, who embodies an authentic and believable character here. Scott Carlin is not a friendly person. He is a neurotic and a profiteer. Someone you’d most like to kick in the ass. But despite all his shortcomings, as a viewer you continue to sympathize with him. There is an existential sadness palpable behind Scott, a feeling of pain and loneliness that resounds in the surroundings of the film, the not always thriving New York neighborhood of Staten Island. The character offers a degree of psychological depth that Apatow’s characters often lack. Davidson makes his character run a credible line, sometimes as a sad figure, then again as a cynical joker, but always with feeling and full conviction.

‘The King of Staten Island’ is a film that will appeal to many, partly because of the right balance between comedy and drama and the good role of Davidson. Is there still criticism? Yes. For example, some plot elements are repeated a bit too often and the playing time is on the long side at 137 minutes, not to mention the already mentioned Judd Apatow defects. There is clearly still room for the filmmaker to grow. But just as the Scott Carlin story shows, this growth always comes gradually, with discipline and willpower. ‘The King of Staten Island’ is a good start for Apatow in that regard. Hopefully the director can maintain this level.